第15章 14

What wonder then if fields and region here Breathe forth Elixir pure, and Rivers run Potable Gold, when with one vertuous touch Th Arch-chimic Sun so farr from us remote Produces with Terrestrial Humor mixt [ 610 ] Here in the dark so many precious things Of colour glorious and effect so rare?

Here matter new to gaze the Devil met Undazld, farr and wide his eye commands, For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade, [ 615 ] But all Sun-shine, as when his Beams at Noon Culminate from th Æquator, as they now Shot upward still direct, whence no way round Shadow from body opaque can fall, and the Aire,

No where so cleer, sharpnd his visual ray [ 620 ] To objects distant farr, whereby he soon Saw within kenn a glorious Angel stand, The same whom John saw also in the Sun: His back was turnd, but not his brightness hid; Of beaming sunnie Raies, a golden tiar [ 625 ] Circld his Head, nor less his Locks behind

Illustrious on his Shoulders fledge with wings Lay waving round; on som great charge imployd He seemd, or fixt in cogitation deep. Glad was the Spirit impure as now in hope [ 630 ] To find who might direct his wandring flight To Paradise the happie seat of Man, His journies end and our beginning woe.

But first he casts to change his proper shape, Which else might work him danger or delay: [ 635 ] And now a stripling Cherube he appeers, Not of the prime, yet such as in his face Youth smild Celestial, and to every Limb Sutable grace diffusd, so well he feignd; Under a Coronet his flowing haire [ 640 ]

In curles on either cheek plaid, wings he wore Of many a colourd plume sprinkld with Gold, His habit fit for speed succinct, and held Before his decent steps a Silver wand.